On 21 April 2024, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait announced the start of the first Hindi radio broadcast. The Indian Embassy appreciated this step of the Kuwait Ministry of Information in launching the Hindi programme on Kuwait Radio to be aired every Sunday on FM 93.3 and AM 96.3. The Embassy noted that this is a significant step towards strengthening the bilateral ties between India and Kuwait.
Official Announcement
The official handle of the Indian Embassy in Kuwait on social media platform X, ‘India in Kuwait’, announced on 21 April: “Start of first ever Hindi Radio broadcast in Kuwait! Embassy of India expresses appreciation to @MOInformation for starting a Hindi programme on Kuwait Radio on FM 93.3 and AM 96.3 on every Sunday (8.30-9 pm) starting 21 April 2024, a step that will further strengthen India-Kuwait ties.” Indian Ambassador in Kuwait, Dr. Adarsh Swaika, noted how the commencement of the Hindi program will deepen the bonds between the two countries. It will not only help bridge the information gap in the expatriate community in Kuwait but also serve as a source of entertainment for them. Dr. Adarsh thanked Kuwait’s Information Minister, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, for facilitating this initiative and assured them of its warm reception in the Indian community.
Indians in Kuwait
Around 1 million Indians are living in Kuwait. According to the Indian Embassy, Indians are the largest expatriate community in Kuwait. The country is a popular destination for several Indian professionals: engineers, doctors, scientists, software experts, chartered accountants, management consultants, technicians, architects, nurses, retail traders, and businessmen. Kuwait has a thriving Indian business community that occupies a significant space in retail and distributorship in the Kuwaiti market.
India-Kuwait Relations
India and Kuwait share a long history of bilateral relations. India has long been Kuwait’s natural trading partner. Until 1961, the Indian rupee was used as the legal tender in Kuwait. Both countries celebrated the 60th year of their diplomatic relations in 2021-22. On 17 April 2024, Dr. Adarsh Swaika met Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah and appreciated his expatriate-friendly steps during his tenure. Dr. Adarsh also apprised him of the developments in the Indian community in Kuwait. According to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, “Amb @AdarshSwaika1 called on the Dy PM & Minister of Defence and Acting Minister of Interior H.E. Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah. Amb thanked the Dy PM for the expatriate-friendly measures instituted during his tenure & apprised him of developments related to the Indian community.”
Kuwait and India are enjoying their 62nd year of bilateral ties. Commencing the Hindi Radio program is a historic step that will continue to enhance the bond between the two countries.
